5 Tips On Being A Lifelong Learner
Several years ago, I made the commitment to being a lifelong learner. Before I was aware that others have expanded on this idea, I knew in my heart how important it was. Through humility, I sought after growth that will last the rest of my life. The moment you believe you are the smartest person in the room, you have proved that you are not. No matter your competence, skill, and intelligence, there is always more that you can learn. Here are five methods to transfer what is in your head to your heart: prayer, practice, community, accountability, and reflection.
The first technique on how to move the information into application is through prayer. By praying and asking God to help. We are unable to humbly receive all that God has for us apart from His help. Regarding the desire for knowledge, we are instructed to ask God for that. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).
The second technique is practice. Through trial and error. Through attempt after attempt. No one is an expert from one try, it takes time and experience to become great at anything. Similarly, if you want to be better at transferring what you know to how you behave, it will take practice. And with practice, you will get better at knowing yourself and how you learn. You will have a better understanding at what things to do and not to do for the most potential for growth.
The third method is to have community. It is incredibly important to have good men and women around you to encourage, uplift, and challenge you. Observing the way others learn can and should give you ideas on how to learn too. Community should challenge. It is a healthy way to see things from more than just your perspective.
The fourth technique is accountability. While it is closely related to community, accountability should be different. The community is general, but the accountability should be specific. You ought to have some people who can keep you accountable in your journey of learning. “Voluntary accountability greatly strengthens our resolve to do something. The more difficult the commitment, the more helpful and important the accountability” (Wilkinson, 1992).
The fifth method is reflection. This is a crucial piece to your constant growth. It is important to regularly check the pulse of your learning to make sure you are on track. By prayer, practice, community, and accountability, it is beneficial to take time and reflect on how those four are helping or hindering your growth. Take a step back weekly, monthly, or quarterly and ask yourself if what you’re doing is helping.
My prayer is that you break free from the chains of the pride that makes you feel “above” learning. I pray that God humbles you and reveals to you the beautiful liberty of learning. Whether these five tips helped, or if you simply feel encouraged to find a different method to learn, I hope that you continue to live a life that is aware of the urgency and privilege of learning more each day.